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Financial Assistance

The YMCA of Greater Boston is a not-for-profit, health and human services organization committed to helping people reach their full potential in spirit, mind and body. YMCAs are here to serve people of all ages, backgrounds, abilities and incomes. The YMCA is community based and believes that its programs and services should be available to everyone.

We strive to serve the entire community by providing financial assistance, which is determined by individual applicant needs. The money used to fund this program is made possible by charitable donations made to the YMCA by friends and members during our Annual Reach Out Campaign, which is largely supported by the help of many volunteers.

Financial assistance is granted based on the need demonstrated by household income and/or extenuating circumstances.

Membership For All

As a non-profit, charitable organization, the YMCA of Greater Boston wants our services to be affordable for everyone. The Y's Membership For All program provides pricing for YMCA membership according to household income and ensures that we are there for those who need us most. Stop by your Local Y's Welcome Center for more information. At the YMCA everyone is welcome! And with your adult or family membership you are welcome at all of our locations.

ACCESS Program

Deeply rooted in our community, it is the mission of the YMCA to make our programs affordable for all. Programs are available to all regardless of age, income, ability, race or religion. Based on available resources and sliding scale eligibility, the Y will not turn anyone away due to an inability to pay full fees. Our ACCESS program provides financial assistance based on need through an easy application process. Much of the financial assistance dollars shared are made possible through the generosity of those who contribute to our Annual Reach Out Campaign and United Way support. Download the application form or ask Member Services for more information.

Welcome Home Program

A YMCA membership program for returning veterans.

The YMCA of Greater Boston, through its Charlestown YMCA in the Charlestown Navy Yard has a membership program in collaboration with the MA Department of Veterans' Service and the V.A.

This program is specifically geared toward assisting any veterans who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan since 9/11/01 and have service-related injuries and have been treated in V.A. hospitals and clinics.

All participating YMCAs have fitness centers with up-to-date cardiovascular and strength equipment, free weights, a variety of group exercise classes and qualified staff available to set up appropriate individual exercise/rehabilitation programs in communication as needed with any medical professionals (physicians, physical therapists, nurses, etc.) who may have been involved previously, in or outside of the V.A. system. Eleven of the 12 YMCAs also feature swimming pools and gymnasiums.

The program includes a full year of membership, free of charge, with funding provided by the Charlestown YMCA of the YMCA of Greater Boston. Participants must apply to the Charlestown YMCA regardless of which YMCA they wish to join. Please click here for an application form. Once accepted, an intake/orientation session with a fitness expert at the YMCA of Greater Boston location of their choice will be scheduled.

For more information on the Welcome Home program, please contact Jim Cimmino, Director of Membership Sales & Service at the Charlestown YMCA.

Additional Scholarships

Additional financial assistance for our programs and services may be available. Please inquire at your local Y's Welcome Center for more information.